TOMBALL, Texas — Tomball police and firefighters had to play referees Monday to two bald eagles who were caught quarreling over scraps of food in the front yard of a home.
The bald eagles were stuck together, clasping each other's claws, when the first responders arrived on scene, according to a post on the Tomball Police Department's Facebook page. As the police and firefighters approached the eagles, the birds attempted to fly away but then quickly collapsed back to the ground, still entwined in each other's claws.
Police called the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife, who suggested covering the eagles with a blanket to get them to calm down.
"As police and firefighters approached the battling birds with a firefighter’s jacket, the raptors unclenched their talons from each other and flew away," the Tomball Police Department said.
Those first responders were met with praise from Facebook users who posted comments that read:
"Thank you guys for all you do," said MrsAmanda Kelly.
"Good job first responders," said Robert L. Spangler Sr.
"Thank you TPD and TFD...you are simply the best," said Sharon Wallace.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife, bald eagles are present year-round throughout Texas as spring and fall migrants, breeders, or winter residents. The Bald Eagle population in Texas is divided into two populations; breeding birds and nonbreeding or wintering birds. Breeding populations occur primarily in the eastern half of the state and along coastal counties from Rockport to Houston. Nonbreeding or wintering populations are located primarily in the Panhandle, Central, and East Texas, and in other areas of suitable habitat throughout the state.